What’s so special about “hallmarked” silver?
It is confirmation of quality.
This is the hallmark on the frames
A G is the mark of the manufacturer
The next is the image of a lion – this is the all-important symbol used by English silversmiths since the Middle Ages – for over 600 years- to confirm that the silver item is indeed sterling silver – Other countries use other symbols but English silver has always been marked with the lion.
925 confirms the frame is the internationally recognised sterling silver -92.5% silver and the balance copper. Pure silver would be too soft for use
Next is the leopard’s head. This shows that the frame was assayed or checked for content in the London assay office which uses the head of the leopard.
Next the letter “V. This tells me that the frame was assayed in 2020.
2021 will be “W” and 2019 was “U”. The letter changes each year and the style of the script every 25 years.
For this reason English hallmarked sterling silver has the best reputation – An independent verification of the quality of the silver and exact confirmation of the date.